A 47-year-old mother from Australia is urging others not to ignore subtle health changes after being diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer.
Susan Schmidt received her diagnosis in 2023. By then, the cancer had spread to other organs and was considered incurable. She is now focused on treatment to extend her life and raise awareness.
Her early symptoms were mild and easy to dismiss. She experienced extreme fatigue, constipation, and occasional severe abdominal pain. She never noticed blood in her stool, a symptom many people associate with bowel cancer. At first, she blamed menopause, diet, and stress.
The turning point came after a colonoscopy revealed a tumor. Scans later showed the cancer had spread beyond the bowel. Looking back, Susan says the constant exhaustion was her first real warning sign.
She believes bowel health is often seen as a taboo topic. Many people feel embarrassed to discuss changes in bowel habits, which can delay diagnosis. She now encourages others to seek medical advice if symptoms persist, even if early tests appear normal.
Common warning signs of bowel cancer include lasting changes in bowel habits, ongoing fatigue, stomach pain, and unexplained weight loss. Doctors advise speaking to a GP if symptoms continue for more than three weeks.
Susan continues treatment while supporting other cancer patients. Her message is simple: listen to your body and push for answers if something feels wrong.